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Hartlepool v Exeter preview

Hartlepool defender David Mirfin faces a late fitness test ahead of the home game against Exeter.

Mirfin, on loan from Scunthorpe, missed last week’s defeat at Luton due to a toe injury and boss Ronnie Moore will make a late decision on the centre-half.

Fellow defenders Matthew Bates (leg) and Stuart Parnaby (knee) are both hoping to feature after returning to the squad as unused substitutes last week.

Pools have no new injury or suspension problems as they chase the victory that could guarantee survival. If Pools win and bottom two Cheltenham and Tranmere both lose, Moore’s side will be safe.

Exeter will check on goalkeeper Christy Pym before embarking on the long trip.

The Grecians, who need a victory at Victoria Park and hope Plymouth or Luton drop points to keep their distant hopes of a play-off place alive, would start with James Hamon if Pym cannot overcome a groin strain.

And boss Paul Tisdale is also set to be without Lee Holmes (calf) as well as hamstrung trio Craig Woodman, David Noble and Tom McCready.

Defender Christian Ribeiro (dead leg) will be handed a fitness test in the build-up to kick-off as City look to end a run of three successive defeats.

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